The Wall Street Journal-20080214-Microsoft Plans To Shuffle Posts In Mobile Push
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Microsoft Plans To Shuffle Posts In Mobile Push
Full Text (419 words)Microsoft Corp. today plans to announce the replacement of the head of its mobile-phone group as part of a broader executive reshuffling, people familiar with the matter said.
Under the plan, which includes promotions for more than 10 executives and the departure of others, the Redmond, Wash., software maker will name Andrew Lees, currently a corporate vice president at the company's server and tools group, to lead its mobile- communications business, which makes software for mobile phones, one person familiar with the situation said. He will become a senior vice president.
The existing head of the mobile-communications unit, Pieter Knook, will retire from Microsoft, people familiar with the matter said. Mr. Knook, a senior vice president, joined Microsoft in 1990 and has served in a variety of roles, including president of Microsoft's Asia operations.
The changes come as Microsoft is making a push into the consumer mobile-phone market. The company has mainly focused on providing software for phones that businesspeople use. Its chief rival in that market is Research In Motion Ltd., maker of the BlackBerry device.
That realm has proven to be a niche in comparison with the sales volume of the consumer-phone market. Some of the most innovative phone designs -- such as Apple Inc.'s iPhone -- and new wireless services are being aimed at consumers. Microsoft this week announced a consumer phone with Sony Ericsson, a venture of Sony Corp. of Japan and Sweden's Telefon AB L.M. Ericsson, and also said it acquired Danger Inc., maker of the technology behind T-Mobile's popular Sidekick hand- held gadget.
Mr. Lees is a newcomer to the field. The British-born executive joined Microsoft in 1990 and has spent most of his career in marketing positions in the U.S. and the United Kingdom. His most recent job has been running marketing for the server and tools group, software used by businesses.
The change in the mobile group will coincide with promotions across most of Microsoft's business groups. At least three vice presidents, including Mr. Knook, are expected to either leave Microsoft immediately or later in the year.
The changes, according to the people familiar with the situation, include expanded duties for two corporate vice presidents, Bill Veghte and Satya Nadella. A corporate vice president in charge of Windows marketing, Michael Sievert, is expected to leave the company. Steve Berkowitz, a senior vice president who has managed a chunk of the online business, is expected to remain at Microsoft into the summer.
Messrs. Knook, Berkowitz and Sievert couldn't be reached for comment.
